Work Text:
January 2026
“Hey, guys. Hope you’re settling in okay. I know you’re probably already up by now — if you’re not up yet, get your asses out of bed! I know for certain it’s ten am in California right now. And it’s gonna be such a beautiful day today — yeah, I checked that, too — so make sure you go outside today! You might not have any dinosaurs to look after yet but you’ve got your own selves, and they’re just as important. Anyway, sending love from the Watering Hole. I know it’ll feel a bit weird waking up with an emptier house. Trust me, I... it feels weird here too. But you’ve got this! We know you’re gonna be just fine! Okay, I’m finished now. Love y— wait! Remember to drink some water. Oh, and have some protein. You need it in the morning. Hang up and do that now. Okay. Yep. Love you both. Bye.”
The automated voice declares, “To hear this message again, press 1.”
Darius and Brooklynn’s eyes meet, and they smile. Silently, Brooklynn presses 1.
They sit back on the sofa, Brooklynn’s head cradled on Darius’s shoulder, as Sammy’s familiar voice fills the tender quiet morning.
“Hey, guys. Hope you’re settling back into the cabin. I know you’re probably already up by now...”